⚠️ 60-Day Deadline: Spirit Airlines employees who lost coverage when the airline shut down have exactly 60 days from the date coverage ended to enroll in a new health plan through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). After that window closes, you must wait until ACA open enrollment (November 1). Don't wait.
Most Airlines Have a Benefits Waiting Period
Even major airlines like American, Delta, United, and Southwest typically have a 30–90 day waiting period before new employees can enroll in health benefits. For a former Spirit employee who urgently needs coverage, this gap requires a bridge plan.
| Airline | Typical Benefits Waiting Period | Bridge Coverage Needed |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 30–60 days | 1–2 months of ACA coverage |
| Delta Air Lines | 30–60 days | 1–2 months of ACA coverage |
| United Airlines | 30–60 days | 1–2 months of ACA coverage |
| Southwest Airlines | 30 days | 1 month of ACA coverage |
| Regional carriers (various) | 60–90 days | 2–3 months of ACA coverage |
ACA Bridge Plan Strategy
Enrolling in an ACA marketplace plan during your job search also covers the benefit waiting period at your new airline. When your new employer's benefits begin, you can drop the ACA plan without penalty. The ACA plan can serve as both your immediate coverage and your bridge — all in one enrollment.
ACA vs. New Employer Plan: Which Is Better?
When your new employer's benefits begin, don't automatically cancel your ACA plan. Compare:
| Factor | ACA Marketplace Plan | Airline Employer Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (your share) | Subsidy-dependent; may be lower | Employer contributes; often good value |
| Network | Regional/national options | May vary |
| Portability | Yours regardless of employment | Ends if you leave or get laid off |
| ATC/hub city match | Any plan in your home area | May be airline's preferred carriers |
For pilots especially: Consider keeping a strong individual health policy alongside your employer plan — your ability to maintain an FAA medical certificate depends on your health. Robust coverage ensures you can see specialists and address issues proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enroll in an ACA marketplace plan during the 60-day Special Enrollment Period from losing Spirit coverage. This plan covers you during your job search and through the new employer's benefit waiting period. When employer benefits begin, you cancel the ACA plan.
Compare both options when your new employer's benefits become available. Airline employer plans often have strong networks and employer contributions, but ACA plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs for some income levels and are portable (yours regardless of employment). A broker can model both options side by side.
You can still enroll in an ACA plan during the remaining days of your SEP even if you've started a new job. If your new employer's benefits haven't begun yet, the ACA plan bridges the waiting period. Once employer benefits begin, you have a qualified life event to drop the ACA plan.
The bankruptcy and shutdown of Spirit Airlines were corporate events, not individual performance issues. Former Spirit pilots should not face employment barriers based on Spirit's closure. Major carriers are actively recruiting due to industry-wide pilot shortages.